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How to hide apps on android?

By HotBotUpdated: June 24, 2024

Answer

In the modern digital era, privacy and customization are paramount for Android users. There are numerous ways to hide apps on Android devices, catering to different levels of technical expertise and specific needs. Below, we explore various methods from built-in features to third-party applications, and delve into both common and lesser-known techniques.

Using Built-in Features

Samsung Devices

Samsung smartphones come with a built-in feature called “Secure Folder,” which allows users to hide apps easily.

Open the Settings app.
Navigate to Biometrics and security and select Secure Folder.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Secure Folder (you may need to sign in with your Samsung account).
Once set up, open the Secure Folder and tap Add apps.
Select the apps you want to hide and tap Add.

The selected apps will now be accessible only within the Secure Folder, and will not appear in the main app drawer.

Start

OnePlus Devices

OnePlus devices feature a similar functionality known as “Hidden Space.”

Open the App Drawer by swiping up on the home screen.
Swipe right to enter the Hidden Space.
Tap the + icon in the top-right corner.
Select the apps you wish to hide and confirm by tapping the checkmark.

These apps will now be hidden from the main app drawer and can only be accessed through the Hidden Space.

Using Third-Party Launchers

Nova Launcher

Nova Launcher is a popular third-party launcher that offers advanced customization options, including the ability to hide apps.

Download and install Nova Launcher from the Google Play Store.
Set Nova Launcher as your default launcher.
Open the Nova Settings app.
Navigate to App & widget drawers.
Select Hide Apps.
Check the boxes next to the apps you want to hide.

The selected apps will no longer appear in the app drawer, although they can still be accessed through the search function.

Apex Launcher

Apex Launcher is another customizable launcher that allows users to hide apps.

Download and install Apex Launcher from the Google Play Store.
Set Apex Launcher as your default launcher.
Open the Apex Settings app.
Navigate to Drawer Settings.
Select Hidden apps.
Check the boxes next to the apps you want to hide.

Hidden apps will not appear in the app drawer, providing a cleaner and more private experience.

Using App Lockers

AppLock

AppLock is a versatile app that not only hides apps but also provides additional security features.

Download and install AppLock from the Google Play Store.
Open AppLock and set up a PIN or pattern.
Navigate to the Protect tab.
Select the App Lock option.
Choose the apps you wish to hide and lock them.

By locking the apps, they will not be visible in the app drawer and can only be accessed through AppLock with the correct PIN or pattern.

Using File Managers

ES File Explorer

ES File Explorer is a powerful file manager that offers a feature to hide apps.

Download and install ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
Open ES File Explorer and swipe left to open the Menu.
Select Library and tap App.
Long-press on the app you want to hide and select Hide.

The app will be hidden from the app drawer and can be accessed through ES File Explorer.

Niche Techniques

Using ADB Commands

For advanced users, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands can be used to disable apps, effectively hiding them without uninstalling.

Enable Developer Options on your device.
Enable USB Debugging from Developer Options.
Connect your device to a computer with ADB installed.
Open a command prompt or terminal window and enter the following command: adb shell pm hide com.package.name
Replace com.package.name with the package name of the app you wish to hide.

This command will hide the app from the app drawer. To unhide it, use the command: adb shell pm unhide com.package.name.

Rarely Known Techniques

Using Guest Mode

Android devices often come with a Guest Mode that provides a separate user profile.

Open the Settings app.
Navigate to System and select Advanced.
Tap on Multiple users and select Guest.

In Guest Mode, the apps installed on the primary user profile will not be visible, effectively hiding them from view.

Using App Disguisers

Some apps can disguise other apps as something else, like a calculator or a simple notepad.

Download and install an app such as Calculator Vault from the Google Play Store.
Open Calculator Vault and set up a PIN.
Select the apps you want to hide.

The hidden apps will now be accessible through Calculator Vault, which appears as a regular calculator on your device.

Exploring these myriad methods offers a robust toolkit for anyone keen on managing their app visibility. By leveraging built-in features, third-party launchers, app lockers, file managers, and even advanced techniques like ADB commands, users can tailor their Android experience to their privacy and aesthetic preferences. The choice of method often lies in the balance between simplicity and functionality, allowing for a personalized approach to app management.